Grade 11 World Religions ISP: RESEARCH ESSAY
Rationale
The purpose of the essay is to write an analytical and argumentative essay based on a theological
topic of your choice. You will defend your argument/stance in light of at least one of the world’s faith
traditions. This assignment will give you the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of a selected
area relating to world theology.
Notes on Format
Your research paper is to be written in a formal, academic style. The third person narrative is the only
acceptable style. Therefore, no “I” or “me” or “you” should be anywhere in your essay! Your essay
must be written in proper English: spelling, grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, language and
paragraphing errors will be assessed.
Your essay must be written in your own words, Information must not be simply 'lifted' or copied from
your sources. Summarize and paraphrase the ideas and identify the sources even if you have
modified the wording. Give the sources of quotations.
BE FOREWARNED; PLAGIARISM WILL RESULT IN A MARK OF “ZERO”
CRITERIA FOR ESSAY:

Essay Style Guide- MLA format from Student Handbook

Essay will be approximately 1000 words in length (3-4 pages)

Essay must be typed, using standard-sized paper, 12 point font, Times New Roman,
double-spaced, with standard borders all around.

Essay must have a cover page with ONLY the following: title of essay; student name;
teacher’s name; course code; date (no images or pictures)

Essay must have a finalized works cited page at the end of your essay
SUBMISSION DATES FOR CHECKPOINT #1 AND FINAL ESSAY:

You will submit a completed Checkpoint #1 on __________________________

Your final essay submission is due: ___________________________________
ASSESSMENT:

This is your ISP for this course, Worth 10% of Your Final Grade.

Checkpoint #1 will be worth – 10 MARKS

Final Submission – 40 MARKS (Formal Essay Rubric)
Topic Selection:
Students will select a theme from the topic list below and construct a thesis that will defend an
argument and analyze at least ONE major world religion.
Topic / Theme:
Marytrs
Pilgrimage / Holy Places
Religious Holidays
Religious wars /conflicts
Science and Religion
Missionaries
Art / architecture
*Other – see teacher for approval
Gender Roles
Influential figures
Sacred Texts
Religious Conversion
Cults
Genocide
Beliefs: Heaven/Hell, Reincarnation…etc.
Checkpoint #1
Name:
PART ONE: TOPIC SELECTION
TOPIC:___________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________________
1. Via what religion(s) will you base your argument?
________________________________________________________________________________________
2. In bibliography format, list at least 3 sources from a variety of resources that you have consulted (book,
internet, article, encyclopedia etc.)
________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
PART TWO: Thesis and Introductory Paragraph Formation
1. Write your proposed introductory paragraph, including thesis statement
Thesis & Intro. Paragraph Checklist:

Is the thesis in ONE sentence?

Is the thesis arguable? (takes one side of an issue)

Does your introductory paragraph include 3 areas of focus for substantiating your thesis?

Does your introductory paragraph read well, effectively building towards your final sentence (or
thesis)?
Thesis Examples:
1. Education in world religions is integral to reducing racism in society because it will eliminate
stereotypes, promote diversity and create religious tolerance.
2. Aboriginal Spirituality in North America is alive and well, as can be witnessed by the various organized
ritual celebrations, the increasing number of localized aboriginal success stories and the past is
passionately alive in the present moment.
3. Celebrating the traditional meaning of Christmas is easier than one would think, it only calls for us to,
look closer at the life and message of Christ, develop a heightened awareness of the gift we have in
family and friends and to atone for sins of humanity.
4. Making religious pilgrimages are growing in popularity; this can especially be seen in both the
Christian, Hindu and Islamic faith traditions.
Your Proposed Thesis:
________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Assessment Rubric: Formal Essay (Academic-Research)
CRITERIA
LEVEL 2
(6)
LEVEL 3
(7)
LEVEL 4
(8-10)
-Ideas & themes do
not flow in logical
succession.
-Paragraph’s do not
include topic
sentence
and supported
discussion.
-Weak sentence
structure throughout.
-Ideas/themes flow
some-what in logical
succession.
-Paragraph’s usually
include topic sentence &
supported discussion.
-Acceptable sentence
structure throughout.
-Ideas & themes flow in
logical succession.
-Paragraph’s include a
topic sentence and
supported discussion.
-adequate sentence
structure throughout.
-Ideas & themes flow
effectively in logical
succession.
-Paragraph’s always
include a topic
sentence and
supported discussion.
-Good sentence
structure.
-Unclear or no
statement of thesis.
-Little
evidence/research
supporting thesis.
-Little depth and/or
detail in discussion
-Vaguely stated thesis.
-Some evidence/
research supporting
thesis.
-Some depth and/or
detail shown in
discussion.
-Clear statement of
thesis.
-Good evidence/
research supporting
thesis.
-Good depth and/or
detail shown in
discussion.
-Clear and concise
statement of thesis.
-Excellent evidence
supporting thesis.
-Excellent depth and
detail shown in
discussion.
Language
Conventions
*Spelling
*Grammar
*Punctuation
Applies grammar,
usage, spelling, and
punctuation with
limited accuracy &
effectiveness.
Applies grammar,
usage, spelling, and
punctuation with some
accuracy &
effectiveness.
Applies grammar,
usage, spelling, and
punctuation with
considerable accuracy
& effectiveness.
Applies grammar,
usage, spelling, and
punctuation with a high
degree of accuracy &
effectiveness.
Assignment/Activity
Expectations
*Essay Form
*Proper Referencing
*Length
Requirements
*Timely Submission
-Weak command of
essay form (intro,
body, and conclusion).
-Works not cited or not
cited properly.
-Inadequate length.
-Late submission.
-Acceptable command
of essay form (intro,
body, and conclusion).
-Works vaguely cited or
not cited properly.
-Acceptable length.
-Acceptable submission.
-Good command of
essay form (intro, body,
and conclusion).
-Works have been
cited properly.
-Adequate in length.
-Timely submission.
-Excellent command of
essay form (intro, body,
and conclusion).
-Works clearly and
correctly cited.
-Good length.
-Timely submission.
Organization of
Thoughts
*Ideas & Themes
Flow in Logical
Succession
*Paragraph
Organization
*Sentence Structure
Content
*Clearly Stated
Thesis
*Relevant Evidence
Supporting Thesis
*Depth/Detail shown
in
Discussion
LEVEL 1
Mark (0-5)
Checkpoint 1:
/10
Essay:
/40
Total:
/50
STUDENT
ACHIEVEMENT
/10
(Communication)
/10
(Thinking/Inquiry)
/10
(Application)
/10
(Knowledge &
Understanding)